"This really does taste different."
Taking a bite of the bun in his hand, Kaito nodded in agreement.
Although he had eaten plenty of buns before, the flavor of this one was still quite unique.
At the moment, he was in a bun shop, having just been led here by Childe.
"Haha, of course. The skill at this shop has always been excellent."
Seeing Kaito so satisfied, Childe, sitting opposite him, seemed to be in a good mood.
However, he was still thinking about what he had overheard earlier, and he planned to subtly probe for more information here. He was still contemplating how to go about it.
Regardless, it was obvious he needed to be extremely cautious with this matter.
Just then, some conversation drifted over from a nearby table.
"...So, is the annual Rite of Descension happening tomorrow?"
A perfect opportunity!
Glancing at the two people at the next table, Childe, who had been wondering how to start his inquiry, knew this was a great chance.
"It seems many people from out of town have come to Liyue specifically for tomorrow's Rite of Descension."
Taking a bite of his bun, Childe made the remark nonchalantly.
"After all, the Geo Archon is supposed to appear tomorrow, and I hear He only shows up once a year," Kaito's reply seemed just as casual.
Of course, that was just on the surface. Inwardly, Kaito knew exactly what Childe was thinking.
So you want to sound me out...
In that case, I'll just give you a false hint...
With that in mind, Kaito continued, "Speaking of which, the venue for the Rite of Descension will be crowded tomorrow. I think it would be better if you didn't go, Childe."
Don't go?
Without a doubt, Kaito's words made Childe feel that things were not so simple. He felt there was definitely a hidden meaning, something Kaito couldn't say directly.
Why...
Why wouldn't Kaito want me to go?
Is there some inside story?
After a quick thought, Childe asked with a look of confusion, "Oh? Why is that? The Rite of Descension only happens once a year. It would be a real shame to miss it."
"That's true, but with so many people around, it's ultimately unsafe."
Smiling and nodding, Kaito seemed to agree with Childe's point, but he still insisted it was unsafe.
Unsafe?
Just now, Kaito told Mr. Zhongli that he would make a move... Could it be that a battle is going to take place?
Recalling the conversation he had just overheard, Childe couldn't help but come to this conclusion. But even so, he still couldn't figure out the specifics of what would happen tomorrow.
Right...
And then there's Miss Kiana... Kaito said her identity was sensitive...
What on earth does that mean?
Suddenly remembering this, Childe became even more curious.
"I see. But don't forget, Kaito, I am one of the Fatui Harbingers."
As he spoke, Childe let out a laugh.
Although he really wanted to ask Kaito directly if something was going to happen tomorrow, he held back. After all, if he spooked him, the loss would outweigh the gain.
But if he didn't ask, Kaito didn't seem inclined to say anything more.
What should I do?
"But that Harbinger, La Signora, she still died, didn't she? There's always someone stronger out there."
At this moment, Kaito looked very sentimental.
La Signora?!
Why would Kaito suddenly bring her up? Besides, La Signora was killed by his... that Anemo Archon girlfriend of his...
Now, Childe felt more and more that things were not simple.
"After all, she was facing... a god. With her strength, there was no way she could fight against someone like that."
Forcing a bitter smile, Childe took another bite of his bun, and then, as if he'd had a sudden thought, said, "Could it be that tomorrow, the Geo Archon, like the Anemo Archon, will make a move against the Fatui... or against me?"
"How could I possibly know that? I don't know the Geo Archon."
Taking a bite of his own bun, Kaito looked surprised by Childe's question.
Then he added, "I was just giving an example. After all, anything can happen, right, Childe?"
After speaking, Kaito looked at Childe, as if waiting for his reply.
"Haha, you're right about that."
Under Kaito's gaze, Childe nodded.
"I'm finished eating, so I'll be heading back now."
With that, Kaito stood up from his seat, looking ready to leave.
"See you next time, then."
Standing up as well, Childe waved to Kaito.
Afterwards, under Childe's watch, Kaito left. Only after Kaito's figure disappeared through the doorway did he sit back down.
That Kaito...
What on earth was he trying to tell me...
Sitting there, nibbling on the bun in his hand, Childe was still pondering the meaning behind Kaito's words.
It was obvious that Kaito was hinting he shouldn't go to the Rite of Descension tomorrow, but he wouldn't say why.
Fortunately, he had overheard some of the conversation between Kaito and Mr. Zhongli earlier. So, combining the two, it was clear that something important was going to happen tomorrow.
But that was as much as he could guess; he still didn't know any more details.
Sigh...
Do I really have to wait until tomorrow...
With a serious, contemplative expression, Childe wondered what he should do before tomorrow. Although he would certainly find out what was going to happen tomorrow, knowing in advance obviously had more benefits.
But... how can I find out in advance?
Should I use the Fatui intelligence network? It probably won't be much help in a matter like this...
After thinking it over and over, Childe still couldn't come up with a good plan.
Forget it...
I'll pay the bill first...
With that thought, Childe stood up.
It's still quite early...
There should still be time...
Stepping outside, Childe found that it was still very early, which gave him a bit more confidence.
But just then, a somewhat familiar figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight.
Hmm...
That is...
Miss Kiana?
Watching the back of the figure gradually receding in the distance, Childe had an idea.
But because of that feeling he'd gotten before, he didn't immediately follow.
I'll probably be discovered, won't I?
Standing in place, Childe was very conflicted. On one hand, he really wanted to follow and see what was going on; on the other, he was worried he would be caught.
After all, the feeling Miss Kiana gave him was very unusual; she didn't seem like an ordinary person.
Hah—
Whatever...
If I'm discovered, I'm discovered...
After a long deliberation, just as Miss Kiana was about to disappear from his sight, Childe decided to follow her and see.
_____
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